1788

Winslow, Samuel, fl. 1781-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Date added later in pencil. Writes, "I deeply regret the impossibility of accompanying You in your Voyage; owing to my disappointment respecting the needful. I shall use the utmost endeavors to make arrangements to embark in the packet."

GLC02437.04064

18 October 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Abiel Wood

Unsigned, but content and docket suggest the author is Henry Knox. Written from Montpelier, Knox's home in Thomaston, Maine. Asks for information about chartering vessels of different sizes and at different times of the year, in Wiscasset (he spells it "Wisscasset") or on Penobscot Bay, in Maine.

GLC02437.06845

25 May 1794

Winslow, Isaac, 1736-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests a favor (possibly a loan or a bonus) from Knox. Describes his current employment as being industrious. Discusses his concerns about sailing to the West Indies. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06106

25 July 1804

Cutts, Richard, 1771-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

One letter addressed to Henry Knox from Richard Cutts dated July 25, 1804. Would love to join Knox in Portland, but it is impossible at present, because he is expecting ships to arrive from the West Indies very soon. May be able to visit next month at St. George's.

GLC02437.07871

January 3, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox has only received a short note from Lafayette (on recommendations for the Society of the Cincinnati), since last June. Believes it is due to the suspension of packets between France and America, as Count de Moustier, the French minister to America, has also not received letters. Says they heard that General Nathanael Greene's son was placed in a respectable academy near Paris. Hopes his conduct is good. Reports that "Our Country is busy in making elections for the new Government - what is to take place the 1st of March. The people at large are becoming more and more strongly attached to…

GLC02437.04071

24 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Knox signs with his initials. References receiving several letters from William since 7 April. Has no excuses for why he has not written more often. Says this letter will not be long because there is a ship in port that is just about to leave for Liverpool and this note needs to be on it. Says they are all well and situated comfortably near the city at Bush Hill, Vice President John Adams's house. Adams was away at Braintree, Massachusetts, so the house was available. Reports he is going into a good house in Philadelphia in the autumn. Is surprised that William is living "in a strange…

GLC02437.05027

3 January 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Written by Brigadier General Henry Knox to his brother William Knox. References receiving several letters from William before he left Boston, but that they took a long time in arriving. Reports on several merchant ships that have been captured. Mentions the birth of another son: "I am happy to inform you that our domestic happiness encreases. Mrs Knox has presented me with another fine boy who was born on the 20th ultimo. he is almost the image of Harry, except that his limbs are rather longer. We name him Marcus Camillus, after a roman republic character to which I early became attached."…

GLC02437.01323

20 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that has noted Knox's previous letter, which indicates that artificers are working hard on wagons and tumbrils. However, "At the same time, I am sorry to inform you, that, they will fall far short of your expectations, in this particular owing to the great portion of time which has been taken up, in making the necessary repairs of the carriages, of those Pieces, that were brought from Philadelphia, to this place, many of which were in a wretched state." Writes that he is "chagrined" to find that a Lieutenant Fisk has resigned to avoid a Court Martial. Adds that the bearer of the…

GLC02437.01495

15 September 1791

Lamb, James, fl. 1746-1822

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Creator listed as "James & Thomas Lamb & Concerned." States that they have just completed a 150 ton copper bottomed ship called the "Margaret." It was built by Edmond Hartt of Boston, and will travel around Cape Horn to the northwest coast of America. Says that James Magee is the principle owner and will travel in the ship himself. Knows that Knox is well acquainted with Magee's credentials and honor. Encloses a copy of a letter from Vice President Adams to Don Joseph De Viar in Philadelphia asking for letters of introduction and protection from the Spanish Minister for the voyage (…

GLC02437.05159

1810

Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815

Book

Title: Torpedo War, and Submarine Explosions

The book illustrates different methods of torpedo and submarine defense, that Robert Fulton invented himself. Contains 5 illustrations.

GLC03107.05318

5 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on a recent visit he made to [Samuel] Ogden. Attempted to persuade Ogden to pay a debt he owed [James] Webber, a London merchant, but Ogden has to wait for money that is owed to him before he can pay the debt. Relates that he delivered several letters to different individuals, and discusses the prospect of exporting flax seed to Ireland. Informs Knox that two ships from India have arrived in Philadelphia since he has been there, and they both have full cargoes. Says that [Thomas] Mifflin has taken him to dine with the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "Bells ringing and Grays gardens…

GLC02437.04645

4 August 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses dinner engagements with various friends. Mentions that a Mr. LaTombe expects a large number of French trade ships to arrive from the West Indies soon, so they may avoid traveling during the rainy season. Reports that General [Henry] Jackson has gone to Portsmouth along with Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn (see GLC02437.04666 for related information). Adds that Jackson's mother seems very ill. Declares that the elder Isaac Winslow wants Knox to complete certain deeds that he sent. Discusses potential changes in Congressional representation in upcoming elections, and mentions possible…

GLC02437.04668

28 September 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox describes to his brother, Henry Knox, that the winds were not in his favor as they set sail from Sandy Hook, New Jersey. He has now reached Newfoundland. Remarks that he has not suffered any seasickness, unlike his other companions, Mrs. Green, who is still seasick, and Miss Hunter, who has recovered.

GLC02437.04739

September 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox describes to Knox the weather around the sea and the lighthouse before an expected storm. Asks Henry to remember "the subjects of an appointment to Cork or Limerick."

GLC02437.04741

25 October 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William relates the details of what was nearly a shipwreck on his voyage from America to England. William will report to Knox on the political situation in Europe as soon as possible. Will see Mr. [James] Webber before W. Knox leaves London. Reports: "This much I can tell you that the British fleet is in the Channel - that 2000 guards are to march this day for Plymouth for embarkation - that Peace is restored between the Swedes & Russians - & that the Duke of Cumberland brother to the King of Eng. is dead in consequence of which every body that can buy a black coat or get credit for…

GLC02437.04756

January 15, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy. Describes the various transportation obstacles that prevented his letters from arriving earlier. Says the St. Lawrence lands are being advertised in two prominent Irish newspapers. Discusses the meeting he had with "the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland" (John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmorland). Says they discussed trade between Ireland and America, and that he will write more about his encounter with the Earl and on the English administration of Ireland at a later time. Asks Knox to thank Mrs. John Jay for introducing him to the "Viscountess Stronghold," whose husband…

GLC02437.04828

7 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William had previously sent a packet to Knox that included "Paynes [Thomas Paine] pamphlet in answer to Burke on the french revolution." William tells his brother, "therefore the present is only to enclose you the papers since then, by which you will see from the debates in the English House of Lords and Commons and the preparations making, that Great Britain is about incurring a few more millions of debt, and (if the Empress should prove inflexible which in all probability she will) plunging the greater part of Europe into a War by sea and land - However distressing to humanity such an event…

GLC02437.04907

26 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wonders why he has not heard from Knox in so long and expresses hurt and confusion over it. "...only consider you are my only relation, and although I am in a country partly civilized, yet it is a Country of Strangers." States he has written "eleven" letters without replies. He is now enclosing some other letters with this one including one "to Mr. Jefferson on the subject of men lately impressed in Ireland from American vessels."

GLC02437.04928

11 May 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox informs Secretary of War Knox of what ships William's letters to Henry were traveling on. William is trying to arrange monies to live on until next winter; reports on his health, walking, rising early and drinking quite a lot of wine: "I never in any five winters of my life drank so much wine as the last; it has agreed perfectly with me although the custom of drinking to excess in good companies is fresh in the memory of most persons here, and is pretty well over, yet there is a difficulty in being the first man from table. I am commonly the second or third - and to be sure I…

GLC02437.04946

January 25, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Arrived Wednesday evening and spent part of yesterday enquiring for a house. Makes reference to various homes, including a Mr. Morton's on Broadway, and Brockholst Livingston's. Reports "at this moment I cannot hear of a good one to be hired." Says that Samuel Shaw believes he will sail on Sunday, but William does not think he will. Says he dined with Shaw and Thomas Randall yesterday. Writes, "The idea here is universal that you are about resigning, how it got here I do not know." Written from the home of Mrs. McEwen. Place written inferred from content. "Free" handwritten on address…

GLC02437.05794

January 28, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Enquired of Berry & Rogers for horse or travelling canteens. They only had one pair of a small size for 7 guineas. Heard Mr. Edgar will quit his house on Wall Street. Also heard that Mrs. Fleming is moving from her home. Is meeting with Fleming's agent and Mr. Edgar today to discuss possible rent. Reports there is a house belonging to a Mr. Rynlander on the North River near Partition Street, although he thinks Henry will not like it. Is satisfied that Henry did not have a connection with Green, as his reputation has been damaged recently over an incident involving "erasure on a note…

GLC02437.05798

February 6, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 2 February. Mentions that Shaw and Randall sailed on 1 February. Does not know how they made the mistake of drawing the interest on his shares. If Henry wants, he will write to Mr. Smith or another of their agents to have the situation rectified. Mr. Green goes in the packet on Thursday in an attempt to recover property "which has been long litigated on the other side of the water." Green believes Mr. Pinckney will assist him in London. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05807

19 April 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wanted to write yesterday, but received no word of Wilks' house until after the post left. Mr. Wilks is currently in negotiations with Colonel William Smith either for the purchase or lease of it. Will know the outcome in two or three days. If Smith does not take the house it will be let for £350 per annum. The house also has 50 acres of grounds. Yesterday a ship arrived form Calcutta owned by John Livingston. It contained Indian sugars and muslins. Says the ship and cargo amounts to $50,000. While it did not net Livingston as much as he hoped, "he considers it as so much saved from…

GLC02437.05874

27 November 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox, who was at Washington's headquarters. Writes from France after a pleasant and short 21 day voyage from Boston. Is astonished by their speed of travel. Says he did not suffer from seasickness and that his little complaints were relieved by the voyage. Tells a convoluted story about meeting a British captain in a brigantine east of Newfoundland who was "castaway" from his merchant ship. Reports on the birth of the Dauphin and the excitement caused by the recent victories in America, but says the former is the greater event in…

GLC02437.01296

6 September 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions Lucy Knox's trip up the Hudson River and hearing that General Knox passed New Windsor, New York with Governor George Clinton on his way to meet Lucy. Comments on a naval battle off the coast of Boston between the French frigate Magicianne and the more heavily armed British ship Assurance. Inquires if a Mr. Diricks was ever a Colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses the arrival of a French frigate called the Diligent, along with news that the Spanish and French have attempted "the Reduction of Gibralter" and that they have brought a new type of ship that floats higher in the…

GLC02437.01167